The NBA All-Star reserves were announced yesterday, and there is much debate around the selections. Although we have the full All-Star rosters, they aren’t finalized because of the injury-replacement players. Joel Embiid and Julius Randle are currently sidelined with injuries. Barring anything crazy happening, they will remain out for All-Star weekend. As a result, two more players in the East will be named All-Stars. It’s important to note that Adam Silver will select these players, and they can be any position. Let’s dive into five NBA All-Star replacement candidates.
5 NBA All-Star Replacement Options With Embiid and Randle Out
Trae Young’s All-Star Case
Trae Young was perhaps the most discussed snub. He is once again putting up absurd offensive numbers, averaging 27 points and 10.9 assists per game. Young’s assists are the second-most in the league, behind Tyrese Haliburton. It’s worth noting that Young didn’t make the All-Star team last year with similar production. What hurts Young is his lack of team success and poor defense. Regardless, he is deserving of an All-Star selection by any possible measure. He has incredible stats and is one of the most gifted offensive players in the league.
Scottie Barnes: A Star in the Making
Scottie Barnes is in the midst of a breakout year. The 22-year-old is proving he’s one of the most gifted young players in the league and a franchise cornerstone. On both ends of the floor, Barnes’ versatility stands out. Offensively, he has a ton of responsibility as a primary shot-creator and playmaker. Defensively, Barnes can guard any position and is consistently given the most difficult matchup. Similar to Young, a lack of team success hurt Barnes’ case. However, there’s no denying his talent and impact is at an All-Star level.
Derrick White: The Value of Winning
Derrick White is one of the best complementary players in the league, and he profoundly impacts winning. White’s ability to lock down opposing guards, paired with his shot-blocking and versatility, make him one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Offensively, White’s smart decision-making and consistent shot-making abilities, especially in the clutch, are incredibly valuable. With the Celtics’ dominance this season and White’s importance to their success, his chances of being named a replacement are fairly high.
Pascal Siakam’s All-Star Case
Pascal Siakam is certainly one of the most talented players not to make an All-Star team. His positive impact on both ends of the floor gives him a strong case. Siakam is a high-level interior scorer, elite transition player, and versatile defender. This skill set makes him the perfect second option next to Haliburton on the Pacers. While the duo hasn’t played much together, the potential is there. Playing in Indiana could benefit Siakam as the All-Star game is in Indianapolis. Silver has a history of giving the edge to players in the host city, such as Jarrett Allen in 2022. Ultimately, Siakam’s production and talent warrant All-Star consideration, and in years past, he has been an All-Star with similar numbers.
Kristaps Porzingis: A Career Year
Kristaps Porzingis is extremely valuable to the Celtics’ success and has shown to be the team’s missing piece. Porzingis has been an elite interior scorer this year as a lob and post-up threat. These abilities have unlocked a new element in the Celtics’ offense, giving them a true inside presence. Defensively, Porzingis’ shot blocking and off-ball roaming has been incredibly valuable. He is more talented and impactful than White; however, games played could be a deciding factor. Porzingis has played in 35 games, missing 14 on the year; unless Silver heavily factors in winning, it will be hard for Porzingis to overcome his number of missed games.
The Last Word
Jimmy Butler and Coby White are two players who could also have All-Star cases. However, Butler’s games played, coupled with a lack of team success, hurt his chances. White is having a breakout year and is one of the league’s best stories, but on a below .500 team, his production feels just a notch below All-Star level. Ultimately, Young and Barnes have the best cases to be named All-Star replacements. Those two check the most All-Star boxes between their statistical production and overall responsibilities. However, being on a winning team is also super important, and Silver has a history of heavily valuing winning. As a result, the chances of White or even Porzingis getting a replacement spot remain pretty high.
